The French Code Read Online Free

France.’
    Harrison gestured to a lounge and the three spies took a seat. ‘During his last mission, Toby was sent to Paris.’
    â€˜Yeah, some guy with way too much time on his hands planned to flood the city’s underground Metro system with quick-drying cement.’ Toby’s chest inflated. ‘It was a pretty ingenious plot, but he had no chance with me on the case.’
    â€˜Are you sure you don’t have to be back home in Austria for any reason? I’m not sure there’ll be enough room for you and your ego on this case.’
    â€˜Nope.’ Toby smiled. ‘Lucky for you, I’m all yours.’
    â€˜It was the success of that mission,’ Harrison explained, ‘that has led the French Government to ask for our help on another important matter infecting their plum tree.’
    Harrison winced. ‘Gosh and blast. Their plum trees are fine. As far as I know. But they need our help on an important matter affecting their country .’ He sat forward and spoke with urgency. ‘A top archaeologist from the Louvre has been kidnapped.’
    â€˜Being one of the most important museums in the world,’ Steinberger added, ‘with one of the most comprehensive collections of objects and artworks from human history, the French government is very sensitive about the loss and it is determined to find the archaeologist before the world finds out.’
    â€˜Yes, and members of the French police are on their way to …’ Harrison was interrupted by his office door flying open. ‘And here they are.’
    Two men in dark blue uniforms and stiff-peaked hats entered the room. They stood at attention like a guard of honour while a third, taller man in uniform strode in between them. ‘We ’ave arrived. Ze briefing can begin.’ He turned to twoCRISP agents standing at the door behind him. ‘Why are you standing zere? You are not needed anymore.’
    The two men from CRISP (Central Response Investigative Safety Patrol), who were responsible for the internal security of the Force, looked to Harrison.
    â€˜If you could wait outside?’ Harrison asked.
    The agents closed the door behind them.
    â€˜Commandant Tetu.’ Harrison stood and held out his hand. ‘Welcome to Spyforce.’
    â€˜Chief ’Arrison.’ Commandant Tetu’s jaw hardened and his fists clenched and unclenched, reminding Max of an over-wound toy. ‘I am sure you understand ’ow grave our situation is and zat we must act fast, speedy, rapidement .’
    â€˜Yes. Of course.’ Harrison lowered his hand.
    â€˜Commandant Tetu.’ Steinberger straightened. ‘I would like to introduce you to our fine agents for this mission. Max Remy, Linden Franklin and …’
    â€˜I ’ave no need for names, only action, answers and a quick rezolution.’ Tetu tugged at the cuffs of each sleeve of his jacket. ‘Let me be clear. Ze French police are more zan capable of ’andling zis affair alone, but ze president seems to zink your agency is special and insists on your ’elp.’
    â€˜That’s because Spyforce saved Paris from …’ Max began, but Tetu turned away.
    â€˜Ze screen, Stain-berr-gerr.’
    Steinberger grasped the remote. A screen slid into place and a data projector descended from the ceiling.
    â€˜He makes you feel welcome, doesn’t he?’ Toby whispered to Max.
    The image of a small man with wire-rimmed glasses and a moustache appeared on the screen. Tetu approached and held out a pointer.
    â€˜Zis is Antoine Marceau. ’E is ze head of ze department of Egyptian Antiquities at the Musée du Louvre.’ His chest puffed. ‘As you know, it is one of ze most beautiful and famous museums in ze world. Ze night before last, ’e was working late in ’is office when zis happened.’
    He flicked his pointer at Steinberger to start the video footage.
    â€˜This guy is really